Eligibility, Registration & Certification Process

Eligibility, Registration & Certification Process

Eligibility Requirements

The NHA CCMA exam has two eligibility pathways — you must meet one of the following:

Pathway 1: Education-Based

Pathway 2: Experience-Based

Key differences from CMA (AAMA):

• The CMA requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program — no experience pathway
• The NHA CCMA accepts training programs from a wider range of providers including career schools, community colleges, and online programs
• The NHA CCMA also allows candidates with supervised work experience to qualify, even without formal training program completion

Step-by-Step Certification Process

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

• Confirm you have a high school diploma or GED
• Gather documentation of your training program completion OR supervised work experience
• Ensure your training/experience falls within the required timeframe

Step 2: Create an NHA Account

• Visit nhanow.com and create a free online account
• Complete your candidate profile with personal information
• Select the CCMA certification exam

Step 3: Register and Pay

• Register for the CCMA exam through your NHA account
• Pay the $165 exam fee via credit card, debit card, or prepaid voucher
• If your school provides vouchers, enter the voucher code during registration
• Registration confirmation is sent to your email

Step 4: Schedule Your Exam

• Choose your testing method: PSI testing center or live remote proctoring
• For PSI centers: search for locations at psiexams.com and select your preferred date/time
• For remote proctoring: schedule through your NHA account and ensure your computer meets system requirements
• Testing is available year-round with flexible scheduling

Step 5: Take the Exam

• At a PSI center: arrive 15-30 minutes early with valid government-issued photo ID
• For remote proctoring: log in 15 minutes before your appointment, complete the check-in process
• Complete all 180 questions within the 3-hour time limit

Step 6: Receive Your Results

• Computer-based exam results are available within 48 hours
• You will receive an email notification when your score report is ready
• Log in to your NHA account to view your official results
• If you pass, your digital certificate and credential verification are available in your account

Retake Policy

Certification Renewal

NHA CCMA certification is valid for 2 years from the date of certification. To maintain your credential:

Renewal Requirements:

• Complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits during each 2-year certification period
• At least 1 CE credit must be in a patient safety or quality-of-care topic
• CE credits can be earned through:
  • NHA-approved online continuing education courses
  • Employer-sponsored training programs
  • Accredited healthcare conferences and workshops
  • College coursework in healthcare-related subjects

Renewal Process:

• Log in to your NHA account before your certification expires
• Submit documentation of completed CE credits
• Pay the renewal fee
• Your certification is updated for another 2-year period

Lapsed Certification:

• If your certification lapses (expires without renewal), you may need to retake the CCMA exam
• NHA may offer a grace period for renewal — check current policies on nhanow.com

What to Bring on Exam Day (PSI Testing Center)

NOT Allowed:

• Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
• Notes, textbooks, or study materials
• Food or drinks in the testing area
• Bags, purses, or backpacks (stored in a locker)
• Calculators or reference materials (none are needed)

Remote Proctoring Requirements